Delta Tanker Explosion: Victims Count Loses, Lawmaker Seeks Urgent Assistance

Victims of the tanker explosion in Agbor, Delta State, have appealed to the state and federal governments, corporate organisations and other stakeholders for urgent assistance after losing properties and businesses worth millions of naira.

The explosion, which occurred on Sunday, claimed two lives and destroyed several properties, leaving affected residents and business owners struggling to recover from the disaster.

One of the victims, who asked not to be named, said he lost his building, shops and all the goods stored in them, estimating his losses at more than N500 million.

He lamented that the sudden explosion and ensuing fire left him with no opportunity to salvage his belongings.

“If it had been possible to save those properties, I would have made an attempt, but the accident came without warning. There was nothing I could do considering the magnitude of the explosion and fire,” he said.

Expressing gratitude for surviving the incident, the victim said he had lost everything he worked for throughout his life and appealed to the government to support all those affected.

“That I am alive today is still by the grace of God. I thank God for my life, but I have nothing to call my own. What I laboured for throughout my life has been wasted in a day. Please, the government should assist us, not only me but everyone involved,” he pleaded.

Meanwhile, the member representing Ika South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Okoh, has urged the state government to intervene urgently and provide relief for the victims.

Okoh, who is the Deputy Leader of the House, made the appeal on Wednesday while drawing the attention of the Assembly to the devastating incident.

He acknowledged that the state government was already aware of the explosion but stressed the need for prompt intervention to cushion its effects, particularly for those who lost their businesses, goods and means of livelihood.

The lawmaker disclosed that he had visited the scene to sympathise with the victims and families of the deceased.

“I sympathise with the people, and I condole with the families of those who lost their loved ones. I understand that two persons lost their lives. I went to the scene, sympathised with the victims and promised them that I would bring the incident to the attention of the government,” he said.

Okoh explained that he considered it his responsibility as the representative of the affected people to formally raise the matter in the House and seek assistance for his constituents.

“Not that the government is not aware of it, but as the member representing the people, I felt it was important to bring it up in the House, which I have done today,” he stated.

He said he would appeal to the Speaker of the Assembly and contact Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that relevant government departments and agencies explored ways to support the victims.

According to him, timely assistance would help the affected residents rebuild their lives and restore their livelihoods, particularly as the Christmas season approaches.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the sudden destruction of properties and investments could leave victims emotionally traumatised and financially vulnerable.

“Imagine losing everything you have in one day, without any prior plan for such an incident. How do you start life again? It is very devastating,” he said.

Okoh also disclosed plans to explore additional support through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“I am also going to call my brother in the NDDC to see if there is any way they can assist and accommodate the victims, so that we can help them get back on their feet,” he added.

He appealed to the state government and other relevant institutions to provide timely assistance, saying it would help ease the victims’ financial burden and support their recovery from the loss of loved ones, property and livelihoods.